Chairman's Blog

Chairmans Blog - Edition 12 May 2023

• Well, it is blog number 12, and I cannot believe it has been a full year since I first introduced them!

• April has been a really fantastic month, with hours of sunny weather and much higher than normal temperatures, which reached just under 40˚C in some parts of the region.

• Our high occupancy continues, and we were full for both Easter holiday weeks. In fact, we saw the highest occupancy at Easter in the club’s history.

• As a result, we held two pool parties, re-introduced scuba try dives and Bubblemaker courses with ‘Adventure Divers’ and hosted Monday night dinners. All these activities were well attended and supported by our members and guests, which were made even better by the fabulous weather.

• La Solana was also well patronised with guests thoroughly enjoying our wide selection of offerings.

• We have also purchased a new table football game, which has been sited in the kids play area, near to the table tennis table.

Here it is then, blog #12 with updates and information for the month of May about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club, and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is sent directly to your email inbox, but it is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com Enjoy!

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Meet the staff

This is one of my favourite items. It is very pleasing to be able to highlight and showcase to you, members of our La Quinta family. So, without further ado, please let me introduce this month Adriana Sottovia and Domingo Ros Diaz.

Adriana Sottovia

Usually, I write a bio for each member from information provided to Laura, but in this case, Adriana’s was so nice I am going to leave it (with the exception of some punctuation), exactly as she wrote it as it really sums up our great La Quinta family...

• “My name is Adriana, and I am 61 and live in Los Belones.”

• “You might know me as I have been at La Quinta for more than 30 years. I started cooking in villa 201 for the staff, which was a small family at that time!!  The first Chairman Tony Coles and Sue Richards (General Manager) offered me a job to run the kitchen of La Solana and the time passed and I still continue trying to please our members.”
  “Let me tell you that I arrived in Spain from Argentina in 1992, this country made me feel like at home and has given me such good things like great work partners, friends and many more things. I am very grateful.”

• “Life also gave me two daughters Rocio and Alba who are my greatest pride and treasure.”

• “I would like to tell you that I am an animal lover. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats, and I love the beach, good food, sunsets and looking at the moon.”

• “I could write about a lot of good experiences and anecdotes that have happened at La Quinta over these years, but Mark would get tired of writing, ha, ha, ha. However, something that I would like to say is that I am very fortunate to belong to La Quinta team. Thank you.” 

 

Domingo Ros Diaz

• Domingo Ros Diaz works in the maintenance department. He is 61 years old and was born in La Unión where he still currently resides.

• In 1986, when he was only 24 and working for Inmogolf, he was recruited by La Quinta due to his abilities and skills and offered a position of maintenance manager by James Caetano the first general manager at the club.

• He has now been working with us here at La Quinta for 37 years. He really enjoys his work, which he says has been fundamental to his life.

• Domingo plans to continue to work at the club until he eventually retires.

• He is married to Loli and has two wonderful daughters, Belén and Patricia whom as a father he feels very proud of.

• When asked how he has found working for La Quinta for so long he replied that he is enormously grateful, for both his work and for the colleagues he has worked alongside throughout the years. He considers LQC his second family.

• Domingo likes all types of sport and enjoys playing chess, cycling, hill walking and trekking.

 

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Update on April events.

• Our annual AGM was held at La Quinta on Sunday 23rd. It was a hybrid meeting with members who could not physically attend being able to join us via Zoom.

• Although he was unable to be at the meeting due to family commitments, Ian Alsop stood down after serving for 10-years on the committee.

• I would like to personally thank Ian for his time, effort, loyalty, and dedicated service throughout his tenure.
  We do have a new volunteer on the committee, James Brindle. I am sure you will join me in warmly welcoming him on board.

• The Gala Dinner held on Sunday evening after the AGM, was well attended, with one of our new singers - ‘Vanessa Soul,’ entertaining our members and guests. She, was very well received and the songs she performed thoroughly enjoyed.

• The General Community President’s meeting was held on the 26th in La Solana, the full minutes of which will be available on our website once they have been approved by the GC.

• At an EGM held just prior to the meeting, it was agreed by the majority that the GC could purchase a new state of the art road sweeper for the club as the existing one is constantly breaking down and needing costly repairs. This will come from GC funds and will have no direct financial impact on LQC.

• The independently produced ‘La Manga Life’ magazine was published on 24th April, containing a 5-page feature article, (that I was asked to write), about the history of La Solana and is accompanied by a full page La Quinta Club advertisement on page 3 of the publication.

• Copies will be available soon in all villas and in reception. However if you can’t wait to read it the online version can be viewed at https://pub.marq.com/15af676e-e711-4436-b610-e59ed5a4dc12/

• Commencing on Monday 24th April and running throughout May & June we are offering a special breakfast promotion, 4 x breakfasts for €40. So, if you are visiting soon, why not take advantage of this great deal? See our advert below.

 

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Events for May 2023

• This month is set to be a busy one again, with high occupancy throughout.

• We will be hosting two great events during the month of May. I am sure that they will both be well supported, as they are booking up quickly.

• On Sunday 7th May we shall be holding a King Charles III, - ‘Coronation Street Party’ in and on the terraces of La Solana. Decorations will abound and party food will be offered including the ‘Coronation Quiche.’ Only €25 for adults and €15 for children, to include food and your first drink.

• We shall also be playing music from across the decades, with a song from each year since the King’s birth in November 1948.

• As the capacity is around a maximum of 100, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. As I understand it, other than La Barra, we are the only venue on the club holding such an event.

• Later in the month on 29th May, we shall be hosting a themed Monday night ‘La Quinta Masquerade Ball’ with Alex & Chloe providing the musical entertainment.
  Feel free to dress to impress, but do not worry if you don’t have a mask, as both adult and children’s masks will be available to purchase from reception for a nominal fee.
  There will however be a prize for the most innovative mask.

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If you are planning to visit Murcia during your holiday, here are a couple of totally different things to do.

Ice Skating in Murcia?

• I bet this is something most of you wouldn’t think of to do in Spain, but the ‘Hielomania Ice Rink’ in Murcia is now open all year round!

• Located at the Thader Commercial Centre, Av. Juan de Borbón, it is open every day from 17:15-21:15 and from 12-noon-21:15 on Saturday

• A 30-minute session is a very reasonable €8.

• So, if it gets too hot, why not pop along to the ice rink to cool down?

Jardin de la Seda

• How about a relaxing visit to the ‘Jardin de la Seda,’ an enchanting public park tucked away in the heart of the Murcian city centre?

• Created back in 1990 on the site of what was an old silk factory, the park’s name ‘Seda’ (meaning silk), is derived from the old factory.

• Indeed, a chimney from the factory building still exists within the park itself, a reminder and symbol of its heritage.

• A visit to the ‘Jardin de la Seda’ allows you to explore a place full of beauty and charm. It has lakes, streams, and bridges (with lots of ducks and swans), plenty of viewpoints with picnic benches, rose gardensand a children's playground.

• There is also a delightful cafeteria built on a raised platform over one of the lakes serving hot & cold refreshments including sandwiches & tapas.

• The Jardin de la Seda can be found on Calle Senda de Enmedio, 30009 Murcia.

• See: La Seda Garden | All You Need In Murcia for further information.

 

Ballet in Cartagena?

• Calling all ballet fans, fancy a cultural night out in Cartagena?

• The International Ballet Company are performing ‘Giselle’ at the El Batel, in Cartagena on Thursday 18th May from 20:30.

• The International Ballet Company is an award-winning group featuring Moldovan soloists Cristina and Alexei Terentiev, and includes performers from Moldova, England & Italy, among other countries. 

• Seats can be purchased from €25. 

 See https://www.stubhub.com/_V-15085 for tickets.

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Driving in Spain

As most of us now drive our own vehicle or hire a car when we are on holiday in Spain, I thought it would be useful to provide some basic Spanish driving information.

General

• You must be 18-years old and hold a full licence issued in EU, UK, or EEA to drive in Spain (21-years old and licence held for 1-year, if hiring a car). An international permit is not required, although you may need one if your licence was issued in the IoM, Channel Islands or Gibraltar.

• A reflective jacket and warning triangle must be carried and headlamp beam deflectors and a UK sticker if travelling in a non-Spanish registered vehicle. Car rental companies usually provide these items and they can be fined if they do not.

• Driving in flip-flops, although not a specific offence, can result in a fine if you are wearing them at the time of an accident and the police consider that you doing so was contributory to the accident.

Speed cameras

• There are more and more speed cameras in operation throughout Spain, fixed, mobile, and sectional, so the chances of being caught are rising.

Fixed cameras

• According to DGT there are currently some 1400 fixed cameras throughout Spain. Usually installed on gantries adjacent to road information signs, they are intended more as a deterrent than for enforcement, to slow drivers down in high accident rate areas.
• Some of the newer cameras are also able to monitor seat belt and mobile phone use and operate in both directions.
• There are however warning signs advising of these cameras and a full list is available on the DGT website DGT - Home

Mobile cameras

• There are various types such as the VELOLASER ,which can be left unattended on a tripod or attached to a guardrail by the side of the carriageway.

• Mobile devices are also operated by the Guardia Civil, often from unmarked cars or vans and speeders are also monitored by helicopters using Pegasus equipment or via the use of drones.

• It is illegal in Spain to have a radar detection device in your vehicle.

Section Cameras

• These are essentially the same as average speed cameras in the UK calculating your average speed over a given distance or section.

Fines

• Speeding fines vary from €100-€600 and although a discount is offered for prompt payment to the Spanish no such facility is offered to foreign nationals. Normally if caught, you must pay the fine on-the-spot to the traffic officer. See below speeding fine chart.

Seat Belts

• Wearing of seat belts is mandatory for all vehicle occupants in Spain and has been since 1992. Not wearing one is considered to be a serious offence and if caught, comes with a hefty €200 fine!

• As well as the driver, adult passengers will be subject to fines for not wearing seat belts.

• Foreign nationals will not receive points on their licence but will be required to pay an on-the-spot fine.

• In addition, a child under 135cms (4’ 6”), must sit in the rear of the vehicle unless there are more than 3-children already seated. Any child aged under 12 and less than 135cms must be seated in a child restraining system if in the front seat.

Parking

• It is prohibited, to park within 5-meters of a bend or junction.

• Vehicles must be parked on the RHS of the road unless in one-way street, where parking is permitted on either side.

• Illegally parked vehicles may be clamped or towed away. In the case of the latter, you will need to attend the nearest police station and pay a fine for both the towing and parking infringement to have the vehicle returned.

• Disabled parking (blue), badges are recognised in Spain but they must be clearly displayed and visible through the windscreen when parked.

Drinking & Driving

• The blood alcohol limit in Spain is 0.05%, which is lower than in the UK.

• Roadside drink and/or drug tests will be given to a driver suspected of; driving under the influence of drink or drugs, having committed a traffic offence or having been involved in an accident.

• Refusal to take such a test, may result in your vehicle being impounded and your licence being suspended for up to four-years.

 

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Access to Calblanque regional park - 2023

• If you are intending to go to Calblanque beach, located near to Cabo de Palos during your stay, please note that from 7th April until 15th October 2023, access restrictions will apply.

• The main entrance will be staffed during these dates in order to protect the area.

• For the 63-days from April 7th vehicles will only be permitted access until the car park becomes full.

• For the remaining 55-days, access to the beach after 9:00am will be by coach only.

• The park opens from 8:00am-8:30pm daily but vehicles are prohibited after 8:30pm.

• For more information about Calblanque see: Playas de Calblanque : Official Murcia Region tourist site (turismoregiondemurcia.es)

 

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Dish of the Month

Adrián’s Special Patatas Bravas

A novel and totally unique variation of the well-known Spanish dish, which are usually square potatoes in a spicy sauce of chilli & paprika.
Adrián’s version are small, boiled potatoes (in their skin), which are cut in half and fried with black garlic mayonnaise, red fruit marmalade and Thai chilli.
They are then sprinkled with peta-zetas, (popping candy) to give an incredible and unforgettable, culinary sensation. A must try!

Members Photographs

We have already been sent quite a few photos which are now displayed in our gallery, but please continue to send them to us from your visits to La Quinta.
Just email Angel - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will add them to our gallery for you.
We really look forward to seeing them and to sharing your memories.

 

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Also please don't forget to:

a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information particularly in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com)

b) use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven't signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register and

c) visit, like and leave feedback on our social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram and read our articles in Murcia Today or La Manga Life.

Once again, I wish you all my kindest regards and hope you have both an enjoyable and memorable holiday here at La Quinta….I hope to see you soon, salud (cheers)…Mark.

 

 

Chairman's Blog – Edition Eleven, April 2023

• A very happy Easter to you all from me and everyone at La Quinta Club.
• April is a great month here in Spain with lovely weather and longer evenings as the clocks went forward at the end of March.
• The good news is we have also had many bookings for April, particularly Easter.
• With the club having high occupancy we shall be holding additional activities including a pool party during both weeks of the Easter holidays.
• Don’t forget there are also many Easter and spring festivals, events and celebrations in the towns and cities across the country, so why not go along and experience one. See more information about these upcoming events below.
• So ready or not here we go embarking on another blog adventure, with updates and information for the month of April about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club, and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is sent directly to your email inbox, but it is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com

Happy Easter from us all here at La Quinta Club

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Meet the staff.

We are working our way through all of our staff at LQC at pace and I have two more hard working members to introduce to you this month. Mª Jose Martínez and Jay Castellvi Dalupan.

Mª Jose Martínez

• Mª Jose Martínez is 53-years old and is employed in the housekeeping department.

• She initially worked as part of a sub-contracted company from 1992-1997 but commenced working for us here at La Quinta in 1997.

• She met and married Pedro, who also works at La Quinta in 1997, the same year she became an employee.

• They have two children Pedro José aged 23 and Aarón aged 20.

• Mª Jose Martínez was born in La Unión but then lived in Cartagena until she got married in 1997. She now lives in Playa Honda.

• Her hobbies are walking and arts & crafts.

 

 

 

 

 

Jay Castellvi Dalupan

• Jay is 51 years old and was born in the Philippines.

• He moved to Spain when he was eight years old and lived in La Manga.

• Jay originally worked at the club for 2-years in 1994-1995 in the kitchen, but in 2006, having been recommended by an employee already working at the club, he joined La Quinta on reception a position he has held ever since.

• He has been married to Lucía since 2006, (the same year he started working at La Quinta) and has two children Jay aged 16 & Sara aged 15.

• Since he got married, the family have lived in nearby La Unión.

• Jay is always helpful and smiling and goes the extra mile to assist our members and guests.

• His hobbies are travelling, (particularly to visit friend and relations in the Philippines), Padel tennis, watching films & TV series’ and he is also into his music.

 

 

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A Recap of March Events

• After an unseasonably chilly end to February with some very low overnight temperatures right across Spain, spring arrived with a bang in March with considerably warmer weather.

• Things then really started to hot up as temperatures reached a near record high of 31.9˚C in Murcia on the 27th March and then 33/34˚C on the 30th & 31st March. Phew!

• Although the club is always a bit quieter in March, we still had reasonably good levels of occupancy, a trend which commenced in December last year and appears to be continuing this year.

• More members & non-members are also visiting La Solana for breakfast, lunch, or drinks.

• We’ve already hosted events and have received future bookings or enquiries for a number of private functions during both April and May. So, if you would like to hold a special event at the club, please speak to any of our staff or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Having re-introduced our ‘menu del dia’ this winter, it has proved to be extremely popular and excellent value for money. Consisting of 2 or 3 courses with bread & butter and tea and coffee included for only €19 or €24 respectively.

• As we move into the summer months, we shall again be featuring our daily specials with new dishes weekly.

• We continue to attract visitors to La Solana as more people discover we are now celiac accredited and offer a vast range of gluten free dishes.

• On 17th March we held a Sushi night at La Solana, with our chef Adrián showcasing his sushi-making skills and was thoroughly enjoyed by all that attended.

• A wide selection of delightful and authentic dishes were prepared to a very high standard and received great feedback with diners asking when are we going to hold our next one?

 

Plaza Bohemia Update

• A couple of editions ago, I mentioned the refurbishment to Plaza Bohemia in La Manga del Mar Menor.

• Well after a substantial investment, the work has now been completed and boasts a 1200 m² pedestrianised area with wider footpaths, bike lanes, an open plan boulevard with outdoor seating, and plenty of shaded areas.

• In addition, 35 extra parking bays have been added plus 3 accessible bays and electric charger stations.

• It was officially opened by the Mayoress on Saturday 25th March with activities, a creative workshop, kid’s games & bouncy castles and a band called ‘Los Happys’ performing.

 

 

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 Upcoming Events and Activities - April 2023

 

Semana Santa (Easter Week)

 

• Semana Santa or Easter Week in Cartagena is commemorated by both magnificent floral adornments of religious statutes and by a multitude of religious processions, which take place over a ten-day period (31st March-9th April).

• The processions have unique features, such as the lavish floral decorations on the 'pasos' (the floats bearing the religious images), with almost all taking place at night and starting and finishing at the church of Santa María de Gracia.

• You can watch these activities along different sections of the route with seating prices varying according to the area and the day. Tickets can be purchased from booths in Plaza de San Sebastián, Plaza del Icue and on Calle Aire.

• Semana Santa is one of the most spectacular and emotive festivals in the area with members of the two rival religious brotherhoods; the Marrajos (who dress in purple), and the Californios (who dress in red) competing to be the best.

For more information see: Holy Week in Cartagena

 

 Berber Pirates, Parades and Medieval Tournaments - Los Alcázares 6th - 9th April

 

• Los Alcázares will be transformed into scenes from the Middle Ages with Berber landings, parades, a medieval market, music, artistic performers, and tournaments over a four-day period.

• On the beach at Playa de la Concha, two days of exciting medieval tournaments will also be held, starting at 12 noon on both days.

• There will be re-enactments of various equestrian games including ring cheat and of course jousting competitions.

• The events culminate with a mock ‘fight to the death’ on the sand by actors dressed as brave knights to establish an overall winner.

• This will be great fun for all the family.

 

See: https://m.murciatoday.com/april-6_9-los-alcazares-celebrates-a-holy-week-with-barbarian-raids-and-medieval-market_2049926-a.html for more information about these events.

   

 

The Spring Fiestas of Murcia (Fiestas de Primavera) 9th-16th April

 

• This is one of the oldest festivals in Spain and one of International Tourist Interest, with the most important days being the Bando de la Huerta and the Entierro de la Sardina.

• The fiestas provide a unique opportunity to experience the soul and tradition of the region and they combine colourful and vibrant religious, cultural, and festive elements.

• So, why not take a trip to Murcia and experience this extravaganza? 

See: 2023 Spring Fiestas of Murcia: How to get there and what to do (mitaxi.net) for full details and schedules of events.

 

 

Mercado de Ḗpoca - La Manga Market 6th - 9th April

• This may be worth a visit.

• Held over 4-days 6 - 9th April, at the entrance to Puerto Tomás Maestre (km12 on the La Manga Strip), is the Mercado de Ḗpoca.

• There will be live music, attractions, children’s shows and artisan stalls.

• So why not pop along and enjoy?

 

‘Triathlon La Manga’- 15th April from 7am

• Visit the La Manga strip and watch those really fit athletes compete in a selection of different Triathlon events.

• There are three competitions taking place with multiple age categories for each event. You can even sign up to enter.

1. The Half, comprising: 2.1km swim + 80km bike ride + 20km run.
2. The Olympic, comprising: 1.5km swim + 40km bike ride +10km run.
3. The Aqua Bike, comprising: 2.1km swim + 80km bike ride.

For more information & details of how to enter, visit: triatlon la manga

 

STOP PRESS: Flights to and from Murcia for summer 2023

• These are the domestic and international flight destinations and carriers that have been announced for the 2023 summer season.

• It is good to see that there are a reasonable selection of airports and carriers from the UK that are now flying into Corvera.

 

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Introducing the town of Torre Pacheco.

• Torre-Pachero is a Murcian municipality with a population of some 19,000 located approximately 30kms (19miles), north of La Manga Club.

• Surrounded by mountains, Torre-Pachero is in the main fairly flat, with only one area of elevation a hill called the Cabezo Gordo, the site of the protected Sima de las Palomas archaeological site, located some 312m above sea level.

• Signs of inhabitation in the area date back to Paleolithic times with further evidence of Neanderthals in occupation between 12,0000-35,000 BC.

• Next it was the Romans turn to occupy the area, quarrying marble from the Cabezo Gordo hill with no less than 16- Roman villas having been discovered in the area.

• However, the first proper historical references didn’t commence until the 13th century, when settlers began to arrive often giving their names to the surrounding towns and villages.

• In 1478 a Portuguese family called Pachero founded and gave the town its name.

• In 1813 the town became independent from the municipality of Murcia and its own town council was established.

• Since the 1950 agriculture has been one of the areas main economic activities with melons, broccoli, artichokes, and lettuces being grown.

• There are some interesting things to see or places to visit in Torre-Pachero such as the windmills of El tίo Farcorro or El Pasico, the Castillo de Ros, the centre for performing arts or the municipal library.

• A number of festivals are held throughout the year such as the El Pasico Festival on Easter Monday, the International Flamenco Folk Singing Festival in August, the Melon festival and the Patron saint festivities in early October.

• Nowadays it is also a mecca for golfers as there are numerous golf courses in and around the area.

 

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Dish of the month

 

• Yes, it’s back, the dish of the month and for April we are featuring the delicacy – ‘Sea Bass Wontons’.

• Wontons are part of the small bites group,(similar to Spanish Tapas), called Dim Sum and are oriental stuffed savoury dumplings originating from the Canton district in China.

• Dim Sum literally means ‘touch the heart’ and is also often called ‘Yum-Cha’.

• Our Chef Adrián’s steamed variation is stuffed with Sea Bass, creamed courgettes, broccoli and is accompanied by a grapefruit & lime mayonnaise, creating a truly mouth-watering appetiser.

 

 

Members Photographs

 

• Please continue to send us photos from your visits to La Quinta.

• Just email them to Angel - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will add them to our gallery for you.

• We look forward to seeing them and sharing your memories.

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• I hope you all have a very happy Easter and those that are coming to the club during the Easter holidays, a really great time.

• 2023 is moving on at pace and very soon we will be into the height of summer when the temperature rises and things get much busier.

• We are constantly looking to improve your holiday experience with the introduction of new things and ideas to keep the club fresh.

• I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my musings and for all your positive feedback. I hope you continue to enjoy them and are still finding them informative. Muchas gracias.

• As you know there is always something going on at the club or in the region of Murcia and I do always check activities and events at the time of publication but please don't blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled.

 

Also don't forget to

a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information particulary in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com)

b) use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven't signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register and

c) visit, like and leave feedback on our social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram and read our articles in Murcia Today or La Manga Life.

  

Once again, I wish you all a very happy Easter….see you soon, take care…Mark.

 

Chairman's Blog – Edition Ten, March 2023

• So it’s blog numero diez (10) and here we are in March already as we start gearing up for the spring and summer months. Valentine’s day is behind us and Easter, is just around the corner.

• But in between we have our La Quinta ‘Spring Getaway’ starting on 25th March. If you haven’t already booked, get cracking as it will be a great week and is excellent value for money.

• Well, exciting times ahead as we start the season and set about enhancing the profile of our Clubhouse with our new La Solana Manager - Céline. I am sure you will join me in welcoming her on board. She will bring both a new dynamic and a diverse array of new clients to our restaurant and I look forward to great things from her.

• More good news is that throughout the year we will be offering a variety of different entertainment at our Monday night dinners, so there is no excuse not to come more than once if you are visiting us for 2-weeks or more.

• So spread the word and please do visit us for breakfast, lunch or Monday night dinner, enjoy our great food and entertainment and say hello to Céline.

• The region of Murcia continued to have lots of sunny weather in early February but as expected the weather became more unsettled during the month with some quite chilly overnight temperatures. That did not stop us from having good levels of occupancy, particularly in regard to our Swedish guests.

• Why not check out our live cam to see what the weather’s doing at the club anytime? Visit: La Quinta - Live Cam (laquintaclub.com)

• March is a busier month here in Spain and we at LQC are set to enjoy continued good occupancy levels and rentals throughout the month.

• Lastly, one final, final reminder of our 'Spring Getaway', week commencing 23rd March 2023!

 

• OK then, let’s get on with March’s blog, providing updates & information for the month of February about the people, activities, events & happenings in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is sent directly to your email inbox, but it is also accessible on our website  www.laquintaclub.com
   

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Meet The Staff

This month, it is the turn of May Garcia & Juanjo Moraño to be featured in the Blog. So let me introduce them both and tell you a bit about them.

May Garcia

• May worked as a waitress at the Deck bar in Mar de Cristal, before hearing about and applying for a position at La Quinta back in January 1998.

• She was successful and was initially employed on a part time basis in reception, but a few months later she became full time, sharing duties at the pool bar.

• The following year she was given a full time role in reception, often providing assistance to Laura and to the reservations department.

• Later this year she will move from her job in reception to replace Fina in reservations when she retires.

• May was born in Elche (Alicante province), but moved to Los Nietos with her parents and two elder brothers when she was only three months old. She remained there until 2003, when she moved to Playa Honda, where she currently lives.

• She is married to Eddy (who works for a maintenance subcontractor at the Repsol industrial complex in Escombreras) and has two children: Estela (15) and Jorge (11).

• May’s hobbies and interests include travelling and discovering new places, outdoor activities, roller skating, going to the beach in the summer and spending time with her children.

 

Juanjo Moraño

• Juanjo is 49-years old and has been employed at La Quinta, in the maintenance department for 14-years.

• He was originally working at La Manga Club, heard we were recruiting, applied for a job and the rest is history.

• He was born in Cartagena but now lives locally in Portman with his wife Isa and their two daughters; Luisa (aged 13) and Gisela (aged 15).

• Juanjo is a talented tradesman and a specialist in carpentry and tiling.

• His hobbies are fishing, listening to music and going to concerts. 

 

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A Recap of February Events

Our La Quinta - Firefighters!

• In January, a number of our LQC staff participated in and became accredited as first responder firefighters, after an intensive full day’s firefighting training with the Bomberos in Cartagena.

• They then put that training to good use when they took part in a joint, mock (but very realistic), fire drill at La Quinta Club with the Bomberos, the ambulance service and the La Manga Club security services.

• The fire drill scenario was very successful so well done to those who undertook the training and took part in the fire drill.

 

England Veterans Football Tour

• England Veterans Football Club played two games as part of their 2023 Spanish tour.

• The 1st match was against Club Deportivo and was held at La Manga Club on 3rd February with England taking an emphatic 8:3 win.

• Things didn’t quite go England’s way in the 2nd game, held on 5th February at Estadio Cartagonova in Cartagena against a much younger FC Cartagena side as they were soundly beaten 7:1.

• Both matches were strongly contested, and good fun was had by all…and the best thing was many of the players from the England team stayed at La Quinta.

 

• The obligatory wearing of facemasks on public transport ceased on 8th February 2023 but will continue as a requirement in hospitals, medical centres, dentists, and pharmacies.

LQC had a great advertising presence (as one of its sponsors), at Carnival in Cartagena this February with Laura Sanchez (our general manager), in attendance to present the best costume award. 

 

The 16th Winta Classic Golf Competition

• After a 2-year hiatus, the 16th Winta Classic golf competition returned. It was very competitive and after many closely fought rounds, the eventual winners were: Louise & Paul Jensen and Kirsten & Sven Ostergaard.

• A well attended presentation dinner was also held in the Clubhouse on the 9th February.

• Well done to all those that took part and congratulations to the winners.

 

 

La Manga Club General Community AGM

• This was held on Wednesday 15th February and was attended by some 100 presidents/owners.

• Chris Coates stood down from his position as the current president with Andrew Millard being elected, (unopposed) as the new La Manga Club General Community president.

 

T20 International Cricket Tour

The Isle of Man and the Spanish national cricket teams played a series of 5 x T20 matches at La Manga Club over the weekend of 24th-26th February (5 matches were played as one was rained off). As with the veterans' football the IOM team, umpires and referees all stayed at La Quinta.

Spain dominated the series by winning 5:0

Well done to both teams.

 

Upcoming Events and Activities - March 2023

Carnival – Cabo de Palos 4th March 2023

Don’t miss the Cabo de Palos carnival day, which will

be held on Saturday 4th March in the dunes of Cabo de Palos.

Organized by the local ladies association, it will feature, games, dancing competitions with prizes and much more.

• Starting at 10:30 am there are lots of things taking place including; a Craft and second hand market, a laughter therapy workshop, inflatables and face painting, a modern dance exhibition, a home made dessert competition and a 80's-90's band.

• There will also be a bar serving food, beer, spirits, soft drinks etc.

• The day is being organised by Asoc De Vecinos La Ermita Los Belones.

 

Queen Tribute band – 18th March 2023

• Who doesn’t love the band, Queen?

• This is a great opportunity to see one of the best Queen tribute bands in Spain. This superb event ­- ‘Remember Queen’ will be held on Saturday 18th March at the El Batel Auditorium, Paseo Alfonso XII, in Cartagena.

• Tickets start at €30 from:  Ticket sales | Bacantix

 

Discovering the Snow Wells of the Sierra Espuña.

• The fascinating snow wells are located high up in the middle of the Sierra Espuña mountains. They were built in the 16th century as a means to preserve food and medicine, to cool drinks and even make ice cream!

• Construction began at the end of the 16th century predominantly to store snow and distribute it as ice to hospitals, cities, and towns throughout the ‘Kingdom of Murcia’.

• Today, you can visit the remains of these unique structures and even go inside a couple of the wells themselves, which have been painstakingly restored. Parking is available at Mirador del Collado Mangueta, which is a short signposted walk (about 15 minutes), to the wells.

 

 

Visit the blooms of Cieza.

• Every year during the month of March, the orchards in Cieza come out in bloom an event that attracts nature lovers from all over to this picturesque region of Murcia and marks the arrival of spring.

• Experience the magical sights, vibrant colours, delicate scents, and impressive vistas in the thousands of hectares of fields in the area. Cieza is only just over an hour from La Manga Club.

• On Thursday 2nd March you can join a special guided tour to the orchards and the fabulous town of Cieza, Enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas amongst the pink blossoming trees and get your cameras ready for some amazing photographs, as this only happens once a year. Afterwards there will be plenty of free time for you to explore and enjoy this quintessential Spanish town.

• For more information or to book visit: www.taquillaticketscondado.com/cieza-blossom or call or message Sally on 657 346 445.

 

 Introducing the holiday town of Los Alcázares.

• Los Alcázares is a town and municipality on the east side of the Mar Menor boasting nearly 5-miles of beaches. With a resident population of around 16,000 rising to over 100,000 during the peak summer holiday season, it is roughly 20 miles from La Manga Club.

• The history of Los Alcázares starts around 210 B.C. with occupation by the Romans, who recognised the beneficial salt properties of the Mar Menor and the protection afforded from invaders provided by the La Manga 'strip'.

• The Romans set up a salt meat & fishing industry and constructed the first thermal baths and spas in the area.

• In the 6th century, the Moors (who then occupied a large part of Spain), chose the area to build their palaces and places of rest due to the existence and therapeutic benefits of the old Roman spas. They also gave the town its name, Al Kazar, which in modern Spanish translates to Los Alcázares.

• Fast forward to 1245 and the Christians led by Fernando III of Castilla, forced the Moors to flee, but it took until 1272 until they were finally driven out.

• In 1898, Los Alcázares gained tourist popularity when it became the chosen summer destination for noble and rich families from Murcia.

• Moving forward to 1915, Spain's first military flying boat base was constructed utilising the sheltered and calm conditions found on the Mar Menor. An additional Aerodrome was also built for training Spanish Air
• Force pilots and were further expanded in the 1920's having an important role during the Spanish Civil War. It continued operationally until the late 1930's. 

• The Museo Aeronautico Municipal - an aviation museum opened in 1998 displaying a comprehensive collection of archive film, photos, models and original artifacts, all dedicated to the history of this nationally significant air base and Spanish flying boat heritage.

• On 14th July 1983, Los Alcázares became an independent municipality with the first mayor, D. Manuel Menarguez Albaladejo, elected on 2nd December 1983. The current Town Hall was built in 2004.

• Today Los Alcázares, is a very popular tourist destination with a vast selection of restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments. It generally boasts some of the best beaches in the region, although in recent years, Los Alcázares lost its blue flag status due to the poor state of the Mar Menor. 

• The town hosts a variety of fiestas throughout the year and offers many local attractions including a Tuesday Market and the Los Narejos promenade, which features many shops, bars and restaurants. It is also infamous for traders illegally setting up night-time stalls, selling all types of trinkets and locally made items.

 

 

Members Photographs

• Members have been sending in their holiday photo’s but we would like to see more.

• Please continue to send them to Angel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will put them in the gallery for you.

• We look forward to seeing them and sharing your memories.

 

 With spring just around the corner and summer on the horizon, now is the time to start planning your visit(s) and all the things that you want to do whilst you are here.

We are working hard preparing for your arrival and are looking forward to catching up and making 2023 a really great year.

The racquets club (formally the tennis centre), is becoming more and more popular so don’t forget to make your booking and bring your racket. Why not give Padel tennis a try too, it’s great fun and is now one of the fastest growing sports.

I hope you continue to enjoy my blogs and are still finding them informative. It’s here to help keep everyone up to date with what’s going on at the club and in the surrounding area.

I still check the validity of activities and events at the time of publication but please don't blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled.

As always don't forget to….

1. Visit our website where we publish lots of useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) use the members' forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven't signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.
2. Visit, like and/or comment on us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn or see our articles via the online newspaper ‘Murcia Today’.

Thanks for your continuing member support for the club, I look forward to seeing you at La Quinta in 2023.

 

Happy holidays.....Mark.

 

 

Chairman's Blog – Edition Nine, February 2023

• A very warm welcome to February’s blog and the 9^th so far.

• Well, what can I say? The region of Murcia continues to have very favourable sunny weather for the start of 2023 with above average temperatures.

• How are your New Year’s resolutions going?? Stuck to them or broken them yet?

• I hope one of your resolutions is to visit La Quinta more.

• February is another quieter month here in Spain but we at LQC have remained reasonably busy with rentals and members using their accrued weeks. Indeed we re-opened La Solana on the 16^th of January.

• So don’t forget to support the club and enjoy breakfasts and lunches at La Solana during your stay. Do spread the word that non-members are welcome too.

• I am currently working on an article about our great bar and restaurant - La Solana, which will be featured in the upcoming spring edition of the La Manga Life magazine. I will let you know when this has been published.

• Like January, the month of February is a really good month to visit for those who enjoy sports as the climate is very mild.

• After a 2-month hiatus, the 'meet the staff' feature resumes this month.

• Lastly, one last reminder of our forthcoming 'Spring Getaway', week commencing 25^th March 2023. Don’t delay, book today.

• So if you are ready here goes with February’s blog, providing updates & information for the month about the people, activities, events & happenings in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is sent directly to your email inbox but it is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com  

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Meet the staff is back featuring two more members of our La Quinta family. So for February, I would like to introduce Carmen and Paco.

Carmen Abraham Urrea

• Carmen has been with the Club since August 1986, when it first opened and was initially employed as a waitress. Her first task was to unpack crockery and cutlery and to clean all the restaurant windows!

• After a year she moved to a role in reception then in 2000 joined the reservations department where she has been until now.

• Carmen lives in Cartagena and is married to Andres who she met at La Quinta, has one son Alberto aged 24 and who worked temporarily on reception during the summer of 2022.

• Her vocation is teaching and she has home tutored many students to successfully pass exams in English.

• Carmen has multiple hobbies which include; trekking, mountain biking, swimming, yoga and reading.

 

Paco Nieto Gonzalez

• Paco works in the maintenance department and has been an employee at La Quinta since 1993.

• Originally working at the hotel in La Manga Club as a painter, he was recruited by Domingo to work for us where he has remained.

• He is divorced but has one son called Ruben (aged 31), and three grandchildren.

• Born and raised in a village near Cartagena he now lives in the city itself.

• A keen footballer when he was younger, Paco is still very passionate about the sport and is an avid supporter of Real Madrid.

• His other great love is travelling around Spain.

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A Recap of January Events

• The mild & warm weather continued throughout January with guests enjoying a myriad of sunny days throughout the month with daily average temperatures of between 17°-20°C although temperatures cool off quite a bit towards the end of the month.

• Starting from 1^st January, the Spanish Prime Minister abolished the 4% VAT on all basic food items for a period of 6-months and reduced the tax on milk, pasta and cooking oil by 5%.

• However although he giveth with one hand, he taketh away with the other, as the 20-cent per litre discount on fuel ceases on 1^st January.

• The General Community President AGM meeting was held on the 18^th January, again in La Solana. We are becoming the go-to venue for these meetings.

• At a virtual EGM held in December the presidents voted in favour of implementing work to prevent the increasing risk of fire in and around La Manga Club. This although delayed will hopefully be initiated and completed before the summer season begins. Details will be published on our website in due course.

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Discovering Cabo de Palos: Gateway to the Mar Menor

• Cape Palos or Cabo de Palos in Spanish, is a town at the start, or the end of La Manga del Mar Menor (depending how you look at it). Cabo is part of a small range of volcanic mounts in the area that form the peninsula. The Mediterranean islands of Grosa and Hormigas are also part of this range, as well as other islands in the Mar Menor (or Little Sea). The name Palos is derived from the Latin word palus, meaning ‘lagoon’, a reference to the Mar Menor.

• Although there is evidence of Neanderthal occupation, history in the area doesn’t really start until pre-Roman times (around 250BC), when according to the Carthaginians; Pliny the Elder and Rufus Festus Avienus, a temple was constructed (dedicated to the worship of the Phoenician god, Baal Hammon), on the promontory of the cape, although no trace of it exists today.

• Historically there is little further recorded about Cabo until the 16^th century, when during the reign of Philip II of Spain, the area became ravaged by Barbary pirates. To counter this, a watchtower (Torre de San Antonio), was built on the promontory as a defensive measure. The tower was eventually completed in 1578. These days on the site, the local lighthouse towers high above the area. Standing 81 meters tall it affords impressive views. Its construction began in 1862 and some three years later on 31^st January 1865 it shone for the first time with a light that can be seen for some 40kms.

• A number of historical battles have taken place in Cabo de Palos; in 1591, during the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604), in 1758 during the Spanish-Barbary conflict (1694–1792), in 1815 during the Second Barbary War and in 1938, during the Spanish Civil War.

• There have been a number of marine accidents and ships sunk off the coast of Cabo de Palos throughout history with many wrecks in the waters. In 1906, the Sirio, which was on its way to the USA from Spain, broke in half and sank when the captain ignored the lighthouse and tried to take a shortcut resulting in over 500 souls perishing. In 1938, the Baleares (a Nationalist heavy cruiser), was sunk in the largest naval battle of the Spanish Civil War, with the loss of some 765 sailors.

• Today these and many other wrecks can be explored by divers with the area being designated as an integral marine reserve and considered as one of the best dive sites in Spain.

• In recent times, Cabo has developed a fishing tradition and the village has expanded into a town. It has an all year round community and as such has become a popular tourist destination with good beaches, costal walks and diving opportunities.

• A must visit is the famous and vibrant Cabo de Palos street market, held every Sunday. There are also many excellent fish restaurants located in and around the harbour area.

• STOP PRESS......recently plans have been submitted by Cartagena town hall for a €320,000 upgrade and redevelopment of the harbour area at Cabo de Palos. This will create an open space, viewing area and concert venue overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Watch this space for further updates!

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Upcoming Events and Activities - February 2023

Weather in Murcia

• Its official, the region of Murcia has been ranked the 3rd sunniest in Europe! In a survey conducted by World Weather Online, Murcia was designated as the 3rd sunniest with an average of 346 hours of sunshine per month.

• Not surprisingly, no less than six Spanish cities featured in the top 10.

• First was Alicante with 349 hours per month, 3rd Murcia with 346, 5th was Valencia (343), 7th Las Palmas (341), 8th Granada (341) and 10th Seville (340). 

• So now you know that when you visit us at La Quinta, you are more or less guaranteed lovely weather!

 

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 Visit ARQUA The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology

• Located in nearby Cartagena is a museum dedicated to all things found underwater during archaeological excavations.

• For more information visit: https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/national-museum-underwater-archaeology

• A visit provides a journey through the history of Spanish maritime activities, trading and transportation, with particular emphasis on Phoenician and Roman times, including a unique collection of elephants' tusks with Phoenician inscriptions.

• See an extensive collection of Amphorae, lead ingots, anchors, scale models of ancient vessels and even a life-size model of a Roman merchant ship.

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The Racquets Club

• Not strictly La Quinta Club related, but the Racquets Club was featured in an article in the Sunday Times on 8^th January.

• The feature focused on how the tennis centre has been refurbished and on the growing popularity of padel tennis. It is good to see the profile of La Manga Club being highlighted in the UK national press.

• Hopefully prospective visitors seeing this may seek to use La Quinta for their accommodation needs.

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Please be vigilant!

• Pine Processionary Caterpillars (from the moth of the same name), have been seen in and around the resort. These caterpillars are covered with tiny hairs that may cause eye irritation or allergic reactions. They are particularly harmful to pets.

• They are common in Spain in February & March and you may see them head to toe in a line on the roads, footpaths or tree-trunks or in candyfloss like nests in pine trees. So please be mindful when walking around. Do not touch them or allow your children to do so.

• For more information see: https://andaluciahiking.com/pine-processionary-caterpillars-in-spain/

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An England senior team play AFCT, an amateur team from Cartagena on Friday 3rd February at 8pm on football pitch A at La Manga Club. Entrance is FREE!

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I am highlighting our new sales/rentals poster once again. We will be emailing a PDF to you all and would ask you share with friends, family and colleagues.

Please print off and put up on notice boards at your workplace, gym, shops etc.

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Members Photographs

• Please continue to send us photos from your visits to La Quinta.

• Just email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will publish them for you in the gallery on our website.

• We look forward to seeing them and sharing your memories.

 

 

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• So here we are in February and already counting down to spring and then summer.

• And I guess it’s the month that we can officially stop wishing people happy New Year!

• We are already looking forward to welcoming you back to the club for 2023 and are working hard to ensure your stay is as good if not better than the last one.

• I hope you are still enjoying my blogs and are still finding them informative. Its good to keep up with what’s going on at the club or in the region of Murcia.

• I still check the validity of activities and events at the time of publication but please don't blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled.

• As always don't forget to a) visit our website where we publish lots of useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven't signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.

 

Thanks for continuing to support the club, I look forward to catching up with you during the year.

 

See you soon....Mark.